Explore the scores of small businesses in the Barrie area at the Small Business Trade Show October 10 at the Army Navy Air Force Club from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Sponsored by the Self Employment Assistance Program and Human Resources Development Canada, the show is free to the general public. Attend workshops, network, and talk to small business owners about their services and wares. Contact Julia at (705) 733-7510 or Donna at (705) 727-0789 to find out more.

The Blue Sky Regional Business Self-Help Office has organized a Starting a Small Business workshop in North Bay October 22. Starting at 6:30 p.m., this is "a general overview of what it takes to be an entrepreneur as well as the steps that are necessary to get your business up and running with focus on research and government rules and regulations". Cost is $20 per person. For more information, contact Karen Reckzin at (705) 495-5701.

There's also a Success Stories Luncheon & Keynote Speaker in North Bay on October 22, at 12:00 PM at the Best Western. The keynote speaker is Mr. Ted Hargreaves. The cost of $20 per person includes lunch. Karen Reckzin at (705) 495-5701 is the contact for this event, too. She says, ""Success Stories" will introduce you to local businesses that have grown and prospered. Use their experience to help your company grow."

There are several Bridges to Better Business events occurring throughout the province. The big day is October 23 in St. Catherines, at the Four Points Sheraton. After lunch, there will be a presentation by Albert Iannantuono, President of Tri-Media Marketing, followed by round table discussions and a wine and cheese networking event. A trade fair will also be held. Cost for the day is $60. Contact Ryan Kelly at the St. Catherines Self Help Office or call (905) 688-5601 (ext.) 1761 or 1767.

Bridges to Better Business in Sudbury takes place October 24 at the Howard Johnson Hotel, starting at 11 a.m.. Described as "a unique one day learning and networking event packed with great ideas to help entrepreneurs succeed", this event will give you a chance to share innovative ideas and make valuable contacts. Contact Josee Dupuis at the Regional Business Centre at (705)674-4455 ext. 4622 for more details.

And in Brampton, Bridges to Better Business runs October 23 at the Brampton Centre for Sports and Entertainment. The guest speaker will be Sid Ridgley of Simul Corporation, an expert in "helping companies attract and retain more customers". The day includes a trade show as well as "Wisdom Exchanges" on topics such as Getting Media Attention, Sales Skills, and Marketing Via the Internet. Cost is $50 plus GST for the day. For more information, check the Web site linked above or call the Brampton Board of Trade at (904) 451-1122.

The Toronto Reference Library is offering a full slate of business-related workshops throughout October. On October 3 at 6:30 p.m., Nick Wittenberg, author of Wired For Small Business Success, will share his expertise on choosing, using, and accessing the right technology for your small business.

Join business trainer and consultant Sally Wilkie at 6:30 p.m. on October 4 to determine the viability of your small business idea, and your suitability for self- employment in The Self-Employment Option: Where You Should Look Before You Leap.

Fail to Plan and Plan to Fail is being presented by business consultant Gabriella Zoltan-Johan. Starting at 6:30 p.m. on October 9, this seminar is an opportunity to explore business planning, including who should prepare a business plan and why, how to research the market, and how to secure financing for your plan.

Market Research for Small Business is being presented by City of Toronto Tradelink coordinator Maggie Weaver, who will introduce participants to the basics of market research, including internet-based resources. The session is at 6:30 p.m. on October 10.

If you want to Start and Run an Import/Export Business, join City of Toronto Tradelink International Trade Advisor Frank Blazik at 6:30 p.m. on October 11. Business modeling, pricing, financing, shipping, and government resources will be discussed.

Bay Communications President and Step Ahead Co-Chair Susan Baka will present Resources For Women in Small Business at 6:30 p.m. October 24. This session is designed to highlight the host of resources and support geared specifically to women entrepreneurs.

The banks aren't the only possibility! Where To Go When The Bank Says No author Gary Fitchett will help you explore the multitude of other financing resources available to small and medium-sized businesses at 6:30 p.m. on October 25.